swift

Think of a bird cutting through the sky with ease: that is the feeling this word carries. "Swift" describes something moving very fast, often with a sense of smoothness or lightness. A swift runner covers the ground quickly, a swift current moves boats along, and a swift decision is made without much delay. It can also describe a response or change that happens very quickly. The word often suggests speed that feels natural and clean, not heavy or slow.

"Swift" is mainly about speed, but it often suggests that the speed feels smooth, easy, or graceful. A swift response to an emergency is quick and timely. A swift animal, a swift river, or a swift movement all give the sense of fast action without struggle.

You can use "swift" as an adjective, as in a swift car, a swift glance, or a swift reply. The related adverb is swiftly, which tells how something happens: "The news spread swiftly through the town." In the natural world, a "swift" is also a small bird known for flying very fast and spending much of its life in the air.

Beyond physical movement, "swift" can describe actions, reactions, and changes that happen quickly. A swift recovery, a swift answer, or a swift fall in prices all fit this use. It can also describe the passing of time in a literary way. Whether it refers to a bird in flight, a person's reply, or a sudden change, "swift" points to speed, quick action, and little delay.